11.4. American Bully Kennel Club (“ABKC”)
The UKC now claims that there is a “new breed” of dogs called the “American Bully”, and to capitalize they have established the “American Bully Kennel Club”, (“ABKC”), and “World Famous BullyPedia, the Premiere All Bully Breed Certified Pedigree Database”. They claim to have 159,165 dogs in their database and 8,895 are registered members. See http://www.bullypedia.net/americanbully/
On the same web page, they also claim
“We like to think BP [BullyPedia] as the premiere source of authentic and accurate pedigree data around. Our business is pedigrees; we don’t do anything else but pedigrees, we are specialists in the field of geneology, research and pride ourselves in our work. That work is reflected here in our database. We’ve been serving out American Bully pedigrees since 2010 and we are the FIRST and the ORIGINATORS of the American Bully Pedigee Database. Before BP, there was none and after BP there are many. There are knock-offs out there claiming to be “better”, “just like” BP, but all fall short of the mark. We are passionate about dogs, pedigrees, geneology and attention to detail; that’s what sets BullyPedia apart from the rest.”
According to the American Bully Kennel Club at http://theabkcdogs.org/home/breeds/, the following are “American Bully” “breeds”.
[BullyPedia claims to be “the premiere source of authentic and accurate pedigree data”.
“Pedigree” means
“the record of descent of an animal, showing it to be purebred, the recorded ancestry, descent, lineage, line of descent, genealogy, family tree, extraction, derivation, origin, heritage, parentage, bloodline, background, roots.”
If the dog has a so-called “Pit Bull” in its ancestry, it cannot have a pedigree because the exact ancestry of the so-called “Pit Bull” is unknown. It then follows that the data that BullyPedia claims to be “authentic and accurate” is NOT with regard to “Pit Bulls” and American Bullys.
The word “genealogy” means
“a line of descent traced continuously from an ancestor, lineage, line, line of descent, family tree, bloodline, the study and tracing of lines of descent or development, a plant’s or animal’s line of evolutionary development from earlier forms.”
A “breed” is
“a stock of animals or plants within a species having a distinctive appearance and typically having been developed by deliberate selection.”
While the original fighting dogs commonly referred to English “Pit Bulls” were the result of deliberate selection, the problem is that no one kept records of the selections and development, and consequently, no one knows the bloodlines of those early dogs.
So, even if those early dogs were subsequently bred in controlled environments, you would still have a gap in the bloodlines, and the subsequent dogs would not be a “breed”. They would not be “crossbred or mixed-breed dogs”, i.e., dogs the product of artificial selection, intentionally created by humans, but they would be “mongrels”, i.e., dogs that are not the result of breeding and belong to no breed. Collectively, the crossbreds and mongrels are typically referred to as “mutts, curs, tykes”, i.e., dogs that are not the result of breeding and belong to no breed.
As noted earlier in this document, the lineage of the commonly referred to “Pit Bull” cannot be traced back to their origin nor are there any records of its evolutionary development. Therefore, it cannot be a “breed”: it is a “mutt”!
As for BullyPedia’s hype, it would appear they have no reason to take pride in “research”, and they may be “specialists in the field of geneology”, but they don’t seem to know much about genealogy.
The statements at http://www.theabkcdogs.org/ are as follows.
“The American Bully Kennel Club, or A.B.K.C. for short, is the official registry worldwide for the American Bully. The American Bully breed was created in 1990 and gained recognition and establishment in 2004, per the inception of the A.B.K.C. The American Bully breed has been selectively bred to give America’s breed a new direction and outlet. Like with the American Staffordshire Terrier, all the positive characteristics of the breed’s ancestry were kept like loyalty, stability with humans and other physical attributes; but traits of dog aggression and gameness were bred out of the breed because the breed had no future and purpose for those traits. What differentiates this breed from the American Staffordshire Terrier is the physical appearance. This breed is built with heavier bone structure and a “Bullier” build. A reinvented breed was formed with the purpose of being the ultimate companion breed, and this breed is the “American Bully.”
This appears to imply that you only need to create a “kennel club” to get a “new breed” recognized and established.
The ABKC states that the American Bully is different from the American Staffordshire Terrier, but following this portion of this document you will see where they say they will register and certify an American Staffordshire Terrier as an American Bully.
So, is the American Staffordshire Terrier, a breed whose development for dog shows started in the U.S. in the 1870s, and the “Pit Bull”, who was developed for dogfighting in England between the 1830s and the late 1800s, and an American Bully, that was created in 1990 according to ABKC, the same?
If you believe the ADBA, UKC, ABKC and BullyPedia, the American Staffordshire Terrier is an American Pit Bull Terrier and American Bully in addition to being an American Staffordshire Terrier.
How can this be?
How can one animal have more than one pedigree and be more than one breed?
How can a Coke be a Stars and Stripe and Big K cola at the same time?]
“The A.B.K.C. was not only created for the American Bully, it was created to bring people together in unity and diversity and to allow people to come together with the common bond of enjoying their companions. The A.B.K.C. is not limited to the American Bully breed alone. The A.B.K.C. is now a multi breed registry specializing in Bully breeds. The events and shows hosted by the A.B.K.C. are to help fanciers learn to show their dogs and positively promote breeds. These events are helping to educate the public and promote the positive nature of the American Bully breed. The goal of the A.B.K.C. is to bring people together for their love of the breed and to help break down negative stereotype of both the breed and people. Please support the registry created for you and the breed. The A.B.K.C. is the only official registry for the American Bully breed worldwide.
ABKC Bulletin
Beginning July 1, 2014 we will begin registering the following breeds. Currently we are only registering these breeds. We are in the process of implementing those breed standards and training judges on the standards, so that we are able to display them in the conformation shows. Breeds: American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier, Minature Bull Terrier, Cane Corso, Killian Bulldog, Pacific Bulldog, Dogue De Bordeaux, Alapaha Bulldog, Neopolitan Mastiff & Boston Terrier.”
The dogs underlined are universally recognized and accepted dog breeds. All of the other dogs that are mentioned are not recognized as breeds by anyone other than the ADBA, UKC, ABKC, BullyMeda, etc. all of which share a common objective, i.e., make money from uninformed individuals.
If, as stated above, “The American Bully breed was created in 1990 and gained recognition and establishment in 2004, per the inception of the A.B.K.C.” why haven’t there been any “breed standards” before 2014?
How can a “breed” exist if there are no “breed standards”: is a “Chihuahua” a “bully”?
If there are no “breed standards”, anything can be a “bully”!
“Effective May, 2013, we now require all dogs siring 3 or more litters to be DNA profiled. You can request a kit by emailing the office and the cost is $47.00. This includes DNA profiling, new updated ABKC paperwork that shows your dog is DNA profiled, & an ABKC DNA certificate.
Effective immediately, we can no longer accept emailed registrations. All registrations must be mailed into our office with a check or money order. We do not accept credit cards.”
Beginning in 2000, the American Kennel Club started using DNA profiles to establish parentage. Beginning in May 2013, the UKC started requiring it apparently as a means to gain credibility and legitimacy: however, if they are getting samples of “Pit Bull” DNA, they are getting samples taken from “mutts” that will later be compared to and matched to other “mutt” (“Pit Bull”) samples, and they should match. The UKC can then claim that the breeds are pure, and the ABKC can certify them, for a fee, as being “Pit Bull” because the samples matched. However, since Wisdom Panel, a division of Mars, Incorporated, owns the patent on dog DNA profiling and they do NOT have a profile for “Pit Bulls” or “American Bullys”, who is doing the dog DNA profiles for the UKC, ADBA and ABKC?
According to the UKC at http://www.ukcdogs.com/Web.nsf/Breeds/CompanionDog/AmericanBully,
“The American Bully breed developed as a natural extension of the American Pit Bull Terrier. The APBT has maintained a characteristic appearance and temperament for over 100 years. As with any long-standing breed, several types evolved from the parent breed, with one in particular taking on a specific build and structure that is so unique it was wise to recognize it as a different breed altogether. That being the American Bully breed.
The American Bully breed was subtly influenced by the infusion of several other breeds, which include the American Bulldog [this is actually a large “American Staffordshire Terrier”], English Bulldog [officially, this breed does not exist], and Olde English Bulldogge [became extinct in the 1870s shortly after dogfighting was outlawed in England].
The American Bully breed was recognized by the United Kennel Club on July 15, 2013.”
The American Dog Breeders Association, United Kennel Club, American Bully Kennel Club and BullyPedia all recognize each other and the American Pit Bull Terrier and American Bully to create the appearance of universal or major support and/or recognition of their organizations and these “breeds” of dogs. No universally recognized domestic or international kennel club recognizes either the American Pit Bull Terrier or American Bully.
At http://theabkcdogs.org/registration, the American Bully Kennel Club (“ABKC”) states,
“Q: What is the American Bully?
A: All dogs currently registered as either American Pit Bull Terriers or American Staffordshire Terriers will be registered with us as an American Bully.
[At another location in this document, you will find that both the American Dog Breeders Association and the United Kennel Club will register as an American Pit Bull Terrier a dog that is registered with the American Kennel Club or the Canadian Kennel Club as an American Staffordshire Terrier. Consequently, it is possible to register an American Staffordshire Terrier, a legitimate breed, as three (3) breeds, i.e., AmStaff, APBT and American Bully. How can one (1) dog be three (3) breeds?]
[Update: On May 22, 2015, I returned to the above link to print out the preceding question and answer, but I found that it had been deleted.]
Q: What dog registries does the ABKC accept?
A: The ABKC currently accepts UKC, AKC & ADBA for American Bullies; BBCR & BBC for Shorty Bulls and AKC, FCI, NKC, ABRA and IOEBA for Bulldog breeds.”
[Update: On June 16, 2016, I returned to the above link, but I found that this question had been deleted.]
The ABKC application states the following at http://www.bullypedia.com/docs/single_dog_application.pdf
“Accepted Registries – A.B.K.C. / A.D.B.A. / A.K.C / U.K.C. **Any other Registries will NOT be accepted!** *Please note – For BullyPedia to “certify” your dog as an “American Bully:”, you must FIRST register with the ABKC otherwise, your dog will be certified as one of the following. *(AKC) American Staffordshire Terrier *(ADBA, UKC) as an American Pitbull Terrirer.”
UKC states at http://www.ukcdogs.com/Web.nsf/WebPages/Registration/AmericanPitBullTerrierSingleRegistration,
“For an American Pit Bull Terrier that is not already registered with UKC and whose parents are not both UKC registered, we offer Single Registration.
The rules for Single Registration for this breed are as follows:”
As of July 15, 2013 American Pit Bull Terrier Single Registration is open.
“The general requirements for consideration for American Pit Bull Terrier Single Registration are as follows:
1. Completed UKC Application for American Pit Bull Terrier Single Registration
2. The dog must be at least one year of age
3. Photocopy of the dog’s registration certificate with a UKC acknowledged registry:
– the AKC (American Kennel Club),
[these dogs would be currently registered as American Staffordshire Terrier];
– the Canadian Kennel Club,
[these dogs would be currently registered as an American Staffordshire Terrier];
– the ADBA (American Dog Breeders Association);
– any FCI affiliated registry
**Dogs with UKC registered parents do not need to provide proof of registration but should provide UKC registration numbers for the sire and dam.
4. The dog’s three generation pedigree, if available. The pedigree will show “open” for any unknown dogs. You may handwrite your dog’s three generation pedigree; however UKC is not responsible for errors caused by illegible handwriting.
5. Three color photographs. One photo should be taken of each side and one from the front.
The dog must be standing in all photos. The photos must be clear enough to see all distinguishing marks the dog may have and the tail must also be clearly visible. Photos that are e-mailed must be in a jpeg or PDF file format.
6. The fee for Single Registration is $50.00 ($35.00 for registration and $15.00 for processing and handling). The $15.00 processing and handling fee is non-refundable as it is the application fee.
Please remember that the application is being submitted for consideration and is no guarantee of Permanent Registration with United Kennel Club.”
Nothing can have two (2) or more distinctive bloodlines or pedigrees, i.e., it can’t be an American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier and American Bully at the same time, if there were such real breeds as an American Pit Bull Terrier and American Bully.
It seems that the UKC, American Bully Kennel Club and BullyPedia share common objectives, i.e., make money from uninformed individuals, and they are the only ones that claim that the “American Bully” is a distinct “breed” of dog. They, along with the American Dog Breeders Association, also incorrectly claim that “American Pit Bull Terriers” and “American Bull Dog” are distinct breeds of dogs. Their organizations will also incorrectly register American Staffordshire Terriers as “American Pit Bulls” and now “American Bully”, even though they are a breed of dogs recognized by the American Kennel Club and universally recognized international kennel clubs as a distinct breed.
What the ADBA, UKC, ABKC, etc. appear to be doing is cashing in on the public’s ignorance and fascination with all things “registered, designer, certified, etc.”, i.e., things that will demand a higher price if the ignorant public believes they are special or possess special characteristics.
Apparently, they are also including breeds that are real breeds to give themselves an appearance of credibility and legitimacy by trying to align themselves with real purebreds.]
BullyPedia states at http://www.bullypedia.net/americanbully/ that
“Our Mission: The mission of BullyPedia Certified Pedigrees is to promote the welfare of the American bully by safeguarding the rights of responsible American Bully owners and American Bully breeders through pedigree research, pedigree certification program, certified breeders program, public education and sound breeding practices. BullyPedias unique role as the leading online pedigree data base resource is to provide a factual based approach to owner and breeder welfare based on the expertise and perspective of those who live and work with the American Bully breed. BullyPedia endorses the development and advancement of high breeding standards, accountable dog ownership, proper care and maintenance of the American bully breed.
BullyPedia Certified Pedigrees
“Impeccable Pedigrees Since 2010″”
[What is a certification of a breed that doesn’t exist really worth?
Is it worth a lot to the ignorant and uninformed?]
The American Bully Kennel Club breeds currently recognized and registered/certified by the American Bully Kennel Club are located at http://theabkcdogs.org/home/breeds/american-bully/standard/. They are as follows.
- “American Bully [Don’t know what this is supposed to be since in other web pages they state that the American Staffordshire Terrier can be registered as an American Bully. Also, don’t know what an American Bully “Standard, Classic, Pocket, Extreme or XL” are supposed to be.]
Standard
Classic
Extreme
XL
- Olde English Bulldogge [Officially extinct since the late 1800s]
- Shorty Bull [Not recognized by the American Kennel Club]
- American Bulldog [This is actually a very large American Staffordshire Terrier]
- English Bulldog [Not recognized by the American Kennel Club] http://www.akc.org/breeds/complete_breed_list.cfm
- French Bulldog
- American Pit Bull Terrier [Not recognized by the American Kennel Club]
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Bull Terrier
- Minature [SP?] Bull Terrier [“Miniature” Bull Terriers are a recognized and accepted breed]
- Presa Canario
- Cane Corso
- Killian Bulldog [Not recognized by the American Kennel Club]
- Pacific Bulldog [Not recognized by the American Kennel Club]
- Dogue de Bordeaux
- Alapaha Bulldog [Not recognized by the American Kennel Club]
- Neopolitan Mastiff
- Boston Terrier”
[It appears that the American Bully Kennel Club is trying to gain recognition and acceptance by “mixing-in” and accepting legitimate breeds with real pedigrees, and confusing the issue about the legitimacy of their registry and certification.
As of September 28, 2016, the preceding has been replaced by an “American Bully Standard”.]
